Uber’s continued operations in Saint Lucia despite a government stop order have triggered a sharp response from the National Taxi Union (NTU), which is now threatening to revoke the registration of members found driving on the platform.
The Government has said Uber lacks the required approvals and formally asked the company to suspend services. But with the app still active, the union argues the defiance undermines both the law and the livelihoods of licensed taxi operators.
“This is not merely a dispute about competition, it is about compliance, fairness and respect for our country’s laws,” NTU Public Relations Officer David Christopher said. “No company, local or international, should be allowed to operate above the law.”
The NTU statement condemned Uber’s actions as unlawful and irresponsible, warning that drivers of registered vehicles with “P plates” found operating an Uber service could face legal action, while holders of registered “TX plates” risk losing their registrations.
The union pointed to the regulatory standards local taxi operators must meet, such as insurance coverage, vehicle inspections, licensing fees and background checks, and said allowing an unregulated foreign company to bypass these requirements creates an uneven playing field.
“This action represents a serious threat to national regulatory authority, public safety and the livelihoods of hundreds of licensed taxi operators who comply with Saint Lucia’s transport laws,” the statement read.
The NTU is urging the Government, law enforcement authorities and transport regulators to enforce the stop order and suspend all Uber‑related activity until full legal and regulatory compliance is achieved.
“Failure to take swift action risks setting a dangerous precedent that weakens regulatory oversight and threatens the stability of the local transport sector,” it warned.
Although maintaining a firm stance, the union said it remains open to discussions about modernisation. “The NTU remains committed to dialogue and modernisation of the transport industry but insists that such progress must occur within the framework of the law and with full consultation of local stakeholders.”
Editor’s note: See statement by NTU below for verification:
The National Taxi Union of Saint Lucia is calling for the immediate shutdown of Uber’s operations on the island, following the company’s blatant disregard for a government-issued stop order.
Despite clear directives from the relevant authorities instructing Uber to cease operations pending regulatory approval, the company has continued to operate in open defiance of the law.
This action represents a serious threat to national regulatory authority, public safety, and the livelihoods of hundreds of licensed taxi operators who comply with Saint Lucia’s transport laws.
The National Taxi Union condemns Uber’s actions as irresponsible, unlawful, and disrespectful to the Government and people of Saint Lucia. Licensed taxi operators are required to meet strict standards, including insurance coverage, vehicle inspections, licensing fees, and background checks.
Allowing an unregulated foreign company to operate outside these requirements creates an uneven playing field and undermines the rule of law.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the National Taxi Union David Christopher “this is not merely a dispute about competition, it is about compliance, fairness, and respect for our country’s laws. No company, local or international, should be allowed to operate above the law”, he added.
The Union is urging the Government of Saint Lucia, law enforcement authorities, and transport regulators to act decisively and immediately to enforce the stop order and suspend all Uber-related activities until full legal and regulatory compliance is achieved.
Failure to take swift action risks setting a dangerous precedent that weakens regulatory oversight and threatens the stability of the local transport sector.
In the interim the National Taxi Union warms that drivers of registered vehicles with “P plates” found operating an Uber service will be arrested and charged while registered ” TX plates” holders will have their registration revoked.
The NTU remains committed to dialogue and modernization of the transport industry but insists that such progress must occur within the framework of the law and with full consultation of local stakeholders.
Time to have a high end taxi option. Where only taxi vehicles and members who meet the criteria can register!
Why haven’t you guys developed a similar service all this time. And you guys have been hearing rumblings of Uber coming, yet you guys didn’t even try to set up something to compete. Now, instead of coming up with an alternative, you moan and cry and threaten other members.
Doing this is not going to stop uber as y’all claimed to do its just doing the same fighting against each other thing targeting y’all own fellow taxi members SMH,so if y’all take action let’s say against 14 members does that stop uber the answer is no, so wake up
This reminds me of when uber first came to Toronto, taxi drivers acted the same way. Everyone has a right to eat not just taxi drivers. St.lucia is stepping into the future. Uber is here to stay
AA. Now look it. Am I to understand that once you are a member of the Taxi Union, you give up your constitutional right to offer or sell your services to whom you want? Seems the taxi Union is a dictatorship. Mwen mem, lot cotay.